Huizhou West Lake was originally formed from low-lying land sculpted by waters from Hengcha, Tianluo, Shuilian, and Bangshan. It took shape as a lake after the riverbed of the Xizhi River was redirected. Bordered by mountains to the west and south and near the Dongjiang River to the north, the scenic area covers 3.2 square kilometers, including a water surface of 1.68 square kilometers. The lake’s depth varies, averaging about 1.5 meters and reaching 3–4 meters in certain areas.

The layout of Huizhou West Lake is defined by five lakes, six bridges, seven hills, and sixteen scenic spots. The Lake is noted for its distinctive hills and waters, quiet winding paths, and varied islets. Classic pavilions and towers peek through lush woods, creating a heavenly landscape. Often compared to Hangzhou West Lake, it was praised in a poem by Wu Qian, a Qing-dynasty magistrate of Huizhou: “If West Lake were likened to Xishi (one of the legendary beauties in Chinese history), Hangzhou’s is richly adorned, while Huizhou’s is lightly so; Huizhou’s lake possesses the purity of Zhuluo Village, while Hangzhou’s echoes with palace song and dance.” Hence, Hangzhou West Lake is called “Xishi in the Palace of Wu,” and Huizhou West Lake, “Xishi of Zhuluo Village.” 

Sizhou Tower

Standing on Xishan Hill beside the lake and also known as the Jade Tower, this is the oldest structure around the West Lake. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty to commemorate the monk Mahasattva Sizhou, it was later named Mahasattva Tower by the exiled Northern Song literary giant Su Shi, who wrote: “When the moon climbs up in the evening, the tower is reflected in the lake.” Hence, “Tower Reflected in Water” became one of the lake’s famed views. The brick-and-wood tower has seven exterior and thirteen interior floors. Destroyed in 1564 during the Ming Dynasty, it was replaced first by a pavilion and then rebuilt as a tower in 1618. Damaged by lightning in the late Qing period, a banyan tree took root atop it—a sight mentioned in a poem by Qiu Fengjia. Since the founding of the PRC, the tower has been restored and fitted with stairways. From the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Huizhou.

Mid-Lake Pavilion

Situated on Fenghu Lake, this hexagonal stone-and-wood pavilion with green tiles was named for its central location. Repaired in 1722 under Magistrate Wu Qian with donations from local officials, it stands 3.5 meters high. From here, one can see Sudi Causeway spanning the water and the Jade Tower rising from Xishan Hill amid shimmering waves. The Qing scholar Liao Mingqiao praised it in verse: “The grand landscape looks like God's work, from every shore, the lake unfolds in splendor. Here, one’s sight and mind expand—until suddenly, they melt into the painting itself.”

Baihua Island

Located near Mingyue Bay and connected by Long Bridge, this site was developed during the Ming Dynasty when Prefecture Chief Gan Gongliang built Luoxia Pavilion amid blooming flowers, dubbing it the “Flower Pier.” Reconstructed in 1880 with the addition of Jingfu Loft, it remained a gathering place for poets and scholars. The scene of “blossoms on the lake and water encircling the island” inspired many literary tributes, leading later generations to name it Baihua Island (Hundred Flowers Island). Repeatedly renovated, Luoxia Pavilion still offers views of the entire lake through its windows.

Diancui Island

Accessible from Sudi Causeway via Jiuqu Bridge on Pinghu Lake, this island first held Guyu Pavilion in the Northern Song period, later replaced by Diancui Pavilion (also called Wind Pavilion) in the Ming Dynasty. Surrounded by the green of Nanshan Hill, it has been compared to Hangzhou’s “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.” In 1913, Liudan Pavilion was erected here to commemorate martyrs of the Xinhai Revolution’s Battle of Ma’an. With red walls, green tiles, ancient trees, and clear waters, “Liudan Pavilion on Diancui Island” became one of the lake’s sixteen scenic spots. The site now serves as a cultural exhibition hall. To its west lies Pipa Island, with bridges linking to Gushan Hill and Fanghua Island.